(Julia, meanwhile, has rung the bell. Mrs. James stills stands glowering in the doorway when she hears footsteps, and moves majestically aside for the returned penitent to enter; but alas! it is only Hannah, obedient to the summons of the bell. Mrs. James faces round and fires a shot at her.)
LAURA. Hannah, you are an ugly woman.
JULIA (faint with horror). Laura!
HANNAH (imperturbably). Well, Ma'am, I'm as God made me.
JULIA. Yes, please, take the tea-things. (Sotto voce, as Hannah approaches.) I'm sorry, Hannah!
HANNAH. It doesn't matter, Ma'am. (She picks up the tray expeditiously and carries it off)
(Mrs. James eyes the departing tray, and is again reminded of something)
LAURA. Julia, where is the silver tea-pot?
JULIA. Which, Laura?
LAURA. Why, that beautiful one of our Mother's.